“Theatre will be instructive to all” (Natjaśastra) – educational aspects of Indian classical dance Cover Image

„Teatr będzie na świecie źródłem nauki dla wszystkich” (Natjaśastra) – o edukacyjnych aspektach indyjskiego tańca klasycznego
“Theatre will be instructive to all” (Natjaśastra) – educational aspects of Indian classical dance

Author(s): Agnieszka Wójcik
Subject(s): Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts, Education
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
Keywords: Indian classical dance; bharatanāyam; Nāyaśāstra; education;

Summary/Abstract: The article proposes a reflection on the educational aspect of Indian classical dance, in which we can find two forms: pure dance (ntta) and dance with miming and gesticulation (ntya). Especially the latter one – when a dancer, using body movements, hand gestures and facial expression, conveys dramatic content of a dance – can be regarded as a medium of educational contents. Using as the starting point a presentation of roles which are assigned to a theatrical performance by the oldest Indian treatise on dramaturgy, Natyashastra, the paper shows how the educational role of Indian dance and theatre traditions may be realised nowadays. The analysis is based primarily on one of the best known styles of Indian classical dance – bharatanāyam.

  • Issue Year: 11/2019
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 60-76
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish